Oakland acquired defensive tackle Dave Rowe from San Diego…
Oakland acquired defensive tackle Dave Rowe from San Diego for a 1976 fourth-round choice. Rowe became a major immediate success, starting 28 games across the 1976 and 1977 seasons and anchoring the middle of the Raiders defense during their Super Bowl XI championship year. San Diego used the pick on Ron Singleton, a useful lineman, but Rowe’s championship contribution gives Oakland the edge.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player David Rowe / Dave Rowe
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1976 fourth round pick (#113-Ron Singleton)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Oakland acquired defensive tackle Dave Rowe from San Diego on September 23, 1975, for a 1976 fourth-round draft choice. Chargers historical draft material traces that selection to No. 113, Ron Singleton. Both sides ultimately received useful NFL players, making this a stronger trade than the modest price might suggest.
What Oakland Received
Rowe became an important Raiders starter. He appeared in 39 games for Oakland from 1975 through 1978 and started 30. Most importantly, he started all 14 games in 1976 at nose tackle as the Raiders went 13-1 and won Super Bowl XI. He followed that with another 14 starts in 1977. A fourth-round price for an immediate championship-caliber starter represents excellent value.
What San Diego Received
Singleton also justified the Chargers’ decision to obtain a draft choice. The offensive lineman played 59 NFL games and made 39 starts over his career. He spent his first several seasons with San Diego before later playing for San Francisco. That is meaningful return from a fourth-round selection and keeps the Chargers from receiving a weak grade.
Why Oakland Gets the Edge
This is not a case where the pick failed. Singleton became a real NFL starter. The difference is timing and impact: Rowe stepped directly into a Raiders defense that won the Super Bowl and then remained a full-time starter the next season. Oakland received high-leverage production exactly when the team was competing for a championship.
Final Verdict
Oakland receives an A- and San Diego a B-. Both clubs found useful value, but Rowe’s 28 starts across 1976-77 and his role on the Super Bowl XI champion Raiders make Oakland the clear winner.